Zimbabwean leader appeals for calm after election violence

02 August, 2018, 15:40 | Author: Clarence Schmidt

Analysts have said it was unclear whether the country's generals, who ousted Mugabe and ushered Mnangagwa into office, would allow an MDC victory.

Voters in Zimbabwe pick a presidential candidate based on their party affiliation and the trend in the parliamentary election was expected to continue when results for the president are announced this week.

ZEC has denied any wrong doing, noting that it is impossible to rig elections in Zimbabwe. Officers responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

The opposition "are testing our resolve", he said, "and I think they are making a big mistake". "I was beaten by soldiers", said Norest Kemvo, who had gashes to his face and right hand.

The crowds chanted: "We want Chamisa".

Mnangagwa said the violence was meant to disrupt the election and blamed the MDC leadership.

Three people died from confrontation between the army and MDC Alliance supporters demanding their candidate be declared victor.

Live ammunition was sacked as the Zimbabwe military was brought in to contain the situation.

The protesters are "out on the streets saying, 'We are going to defend our vote, ' " NPR's Eyder Peralta reports from Harare, adding that the partial release of parliamentary results was enough to convince protesters of alleged fraud.

Many protesters accused the army of unprovoked brutality. Why are the army here beating us? "This is not an election it is a disgrace on our country", one young man, Colbert Mugwenhi, said. At least three people were reported killed.

Opposition MDC party supporters hold a voting placard up high during the clashes with police.

Both the opposition and Western election observers have urged that presidential election results be released as soon as possible.

The ruling Zanu-PF party has won the majority of parliamentary seats.

Zimbabwe's president said Thursday that his government has been in touch with the main opposition leader in an attempt to ease tensions after election-related violence in the country's capital.

"The results are a gimmick to try and prepare Zimbabwe for a rigged election". We've more votes than ED (Emmerson Mnangagwa). "If President Chamisa wins this election then the people of Zimbabwe will have their government", stated Nkululeko Sibanda, the MDC spokesman.

"The longer it lasts.the more a lack of credibility will arise in Zimbabwe", said Elmar Brok, a European Union lawmaker who heads the bloc's observer mission.

The EU assessment is critical in determining whether Zimbabwe can fix its image and attract the foreign investors needed for an economic revival.

The BBC reports that the announcement on the presidential poll was not made because representatives of some of the 23 candidates had failed to turn up to verify the results.

Now, almost 48 hours after polls closed, voters still await an official answer about who won the country's presidential election - and suspicion of electoral wrongdoing has gathered intensity in the capital city's streets. For now at least, Zimbabwe appears set to traverse a long and hard path if it is to regain its reputation as one of Africa's most promising economies.

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Africanews journalist Nyasha Mutizwa is from Zimbabwe and she's has been following up on the polls with our men on the ground. Estimated turnout was about 75% before polls closed on Monday evening after a peaceful day of voting.

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